a hero.

my attitude towards family history has changed over the years.

initially, I was scared of it.  then I got excited about it, but was a little let-down to discover that both my maternal and paternal grandmothers had done the bulk of the work already.  (not that my family tree is filled in entirely..)  then I was kind of happy, almost relieved that the bulk of it was done, I had kids at that point, but not the time to do that kind of work.  I am at the phase where I realize there is still more work to be done, and someday, I will have the time that is necessary to do that work.  right now, I feel like my responsibility is to share these stories and histories with my girls.  they need to know where they came from and about the great legacies that have been left for them.

this layout came together so easily using liv’s newest t + mini – so blessed.  I literally changed the background paper, removed some of the more flourish-ey feminine parts, added my journaling and this AMAZING photo, and it was done!

so here’s more about my grandpa…  don’t be surprised if he and my grandma are the subjects of more layouts to come..  I love them so much!

(you can click on the layout for full credits.)

the journaling reads:

“This picture of Grandpa has to be one of my favorites.  I am so thankful to have a copy of it in my home.  I want my girls to know of the sacrifices that not only he made, but of the sacrifices that continue to be made.  Grandpa was a member of the Utah National Guard, and mustered into the Regular Army in March of 1941.  He was sent to California, to prepare to go to the Philippines, but in December of the same year, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese.  His assignment changed.  He was sent to Washington, to train new recruits, then later sent overseas to Europe.  He fought in many battles which included Utah beach on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.  He was later injured in the Ruhr Valley in Germany.  He received five battle stars and was awarded the Purple Heart.  He didn’t talk of these things much.  It wasn’t something he was particularly proud of.  We are proud of him though, and thankful for not only his service, but his example in how he lived his life every day.  He will always be our hero.”

this is history that my girls need to know!  what an amazing man..   

a sweet reunion.

my grandpa passed away friday.

we were waiting, excited for him, but can’t help but be selfish, for us.

I miss him already!

so he’s on my mind.

a lot.

I am thankful to KNOW that he is with my grandma, they are so happy to be together again!!

(it has been five years since she passed.)

these two pictures sat on the table, right next to the chair where he sat and spent the majority of his time.  she was never far from him.

his is no longer hindered by an imperfect body and the pain that comes with old age.

I really am happy for him..  really.

it’s just hard to be without him now.

so here comes the flood.  I don’t expect it to let up any time soon…

(click on layouts for links to products used.)

oh, and then there’s the fact that lynn is growing, or thinks she is..  such a great time of life!!

Glad to see that some things are still the same.

Saturday, we went to have dinner with Grandpa W.

(We meaning me, the girls, and a couple dozen cupcakes..)

We got to sit and visit, eat good food (because we don’t make BAD food..), and the kids played with their cousins.  We all adored Abby.

(I also took a lot of pictures, but when DON’T I do that..)

Ashley and James loved jumping from Grandpa’s porch trying to clear the little bushes every time, just like I did with my cousins when I was little.

And Grammy busted out suckers for all the grandkids in honor of Peyton and her progress in potty-training.

It was a good day.

Birthday fun...

I got this gem finished just in time...
Before ripping into the gifts...
While ripping into them...
One for each... got them on clearance, 2 for 1, and they love them, so do I. All the fun of a puppy without the chewing, peeing, pooping, and dog food smell... bleh!
Her Dorothy cake. I think I decorated this in less than 15 minutes... it shows, the frosting is bleeding, she is missing her arms... she looks a bit like the Joker... she was delicious.
All in all, had a good day. Went to mom and dad's for lunch. Ate with grandpa W. too. He's so sweet. Peyton was so excited to see him. So was Ash. Those two love to play together. Lunch was yummy! For some reason, it always tastes better when she cooks... we enjoyed the second session of conference together and then ate that mess of a cake.
After the monotony and business of this past week, today was just what I needed. I loved Elder Eyring's talk and have it in my head to be more positive... if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all!
As for Merrill... it sure will be weird to have him home, now that the girls and I have our own little set up. Don't get me wrong, we miss the heck out of him, but it feels like it's been so long, it will be weird. He's been crammed full of information, he just prays he'll retain it all.
Cutest conference moment, yesterday, when the primary choir was singing, Hallie, Sophie, Lynn, and Ashley were all singing along too. It was so sweet! Then Lynn had to go and throw in her own made up silly word "conkie" and wreck the sweet mood and turn it into silliness... cute while it lasted though.
Oh... had fun yesterday Jacks! Thanks for breaking it up for me...
I have a blogiversary coming up... watch for a give away :)

Grandpa's Idea...

So before I totally forget to write this one down, Grandpa shared his idea with us Sunday while we were at the cemetery visiting Grandma.
We are all sitting around the grave, checking out the headstone (the first time we'd all seen it...) when Grandpa, who is standing says in kind of a quiet voice, "I want everyone to get together, whatever little money you are able to and..."
Okay, so I have to stop because I was thinking, does he want us to keep up on flowers for her or does he want something re-done on the headstone?...
So he finishes, "I want you all to put your money into a pool, and each of you guess," now he's tapping the blank date underneath his birth date with his cane... "guess what date will go there. And whoever gets the closest will will the money!" He was quite satisfied with himself, had this grin on his face and was chuckling...
"That way it might help you to look forward to it!"
Never Grandpa... NEVER!

It's OVER!!!

My most dreaded day is finally over and done!
Peyton didn't get in very solid naps, never more than one hour at a time... but she didn't want to eat when I couldn't give it to her! That was my main worry.
Lynn came home from church, found a good Shel Silverstein read, kicked-back and relaxed.
She is getting so big...
Today, while we were making some M&M cookie bars, we listened to the Eagles. The Christmas song they sing came on, and Mer said "Lynn, you should recognize this song... Where's it from?"
Then Lynn said something that sounded too mature for my little five year old... "I'm not familiar with it..." Where did she get that? I only wish that you could have seen the look on her face when she said it... that kid...
Went out to mom and dad's for a visit. Got to see Grandpa too. He was in heaven holding Peyton. Since mom took him to the Doc. and they cleaned-out his ears, he can hear much better. He was so cute!
He didn't want to leave, and left at the last possible minute, like when it was getting dark. Mom says she thinks he waits until he thinks it's late enough for him to go to bed so he won't have to be alone and awake for too long.
Mom got to talk to me a little more about the little things that have been happening. One of the sweetest things that I heard her tell me, was when the mortuary came to get Grandma after she passed. The guys asked Grandpa how long they had been married, he answered, "67 years, and we were just getting started."
It breaks my heart to think of him being all alone now. I just pray that he won't be so lonely.